Date Posted

Sisters and Brothers,

After more than a year of dedicated negotiations, we are proud to announce that CWA Local 1298 has reached a tentative agreement with Frontier Communications. This agreement reflects our commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of our members and embodies the values for which we stand. The following is a summary of the changes in the 2024 Frontier/CWA Tentative Agreement (TA). A full package will be provided prior to the contract explanation meeting, which will be scheduled on Zoom to maximize member attendance. 

Key Highlights of the Tentative Agreement:

  • Duration: This agreement is a 3-year agreement, expiring October 23,2027. 
  • Wage Increases: Members will receive wage increases over the duration of the contract, recognizing the hard work and dedication of each employee. The schedule of this wage increase will be as follows:
    • 3% retroactive to 9/29/24
    • 3.5% 9/28/25
    • 3.25% 9/27/26
  • Healthcare: No change in employee cost toward out of pocket expense, co-insurance, prescriptions or deductibles with a minimum increase to monthly premiums
    • 2025
      • No increase from 2024 rates
      • Individual: $145
      • Family: $290
    • 2026
      • Individual: $175
      • Family: $350
    • 2027
      • Individual: $190
      • Family: $380
  • Maintain free dental and vision plans
  • Maintain retiree healthcare
  • Continuation of existing pension plans and increased 401k match from 80% to 82% match on each dollar
  • Maintain Article VII (7) and Guaranteed Job Offer for all active employees
  • Continuation of all existing Agreements, MOA’s, MOU’s 
  • Article 7 EVSP payments will be deposited into the Cash Balance Accounts for retirement eligible employees
  • Leverage Title to be converted to Service Rep 
  • Established 8 hours overtime for SST title if the company is using contractors
  • Increase to on-call pay for all departments from $20 to $30
  • Title upgrade from VV to VW for Conduit Inspector 
  • Defined end of day overtime process
  • Rejected elimination of premium pay on Sundays for all titles
  • Rejected work from home eligibility based on performance and attendance metrics
  • Rejected the implementation of cameras in vehicles for all bargaining unit drivers 

As union members, you have shown relentless strength and solidarity throughout the negotiation process. This tentative agreement is a testament to our collective bargaining power and our unwavering commitment to advocate for what is right. 

We encourage all members to attend the upcoming informational Zoom meeting, September 11, 2025, from 6-9pm, where we will discuss the details of the agreement and provide an opportunity for questions. A ratification vote will be scheduled for September 12, thru noon September 23 via the American Arbitration Association. An explanation of how to vote will be mailed to you beginning September 11, 2025. Final vote result will be announced by end of day September 23, 2025. Please visit our website www.cwa1298.org for details on registering for the Zoom meeting. To register for our Zoom contract explanation meeting on September 11th, click here.

In Solidarity,

  • Katie Montalbano – Chair                  
  • Dave Weidlich – President Co-Chair
  • Louise Gibson – Secretary - Treasurer 
  • Phil Colello – Vice President Plant 1 
  • Esther Almodovar – Vice President C&M  
  • Frank Oliva – Vice President Headquarters       
  • Ray Lucarelli - Vice President Plant 2 
  • Michael Ciscar – B.A. Plant 1
  • Sherri Jefferson – B.A. C&M 
  • Diane Vieira – B.A. Headquarters        
  • Jason Siebold – B.A. Plant 2